Page 48 of Seeing Harper

“I’m wiped out. Worked at the equine center yesterday and today.”

“You should really get someone to help you.”

“Clay helped me.”

“Clay? Our Clay?” Summer asked.

“Yep. He left the party with me yesterday and stayed to help late, then we had pizza before I dropped him off. Then this morning he was back and waiting for me before I even walked outside. We just got home.”

“Our Clay?” Summer asked again.

“Do we know any other Clays?” Harper asked.

“I don’t. You might.”

“If I did, you would, too.”

“So, why would he do that?”

“Being a friend? I don’t know. But I’m glad he did. It was nice to have someone along with me, and I got so much done I can just enjoy the horses when I go back in a few days. Well, I’ll have to clean the stalls, but everything else is done for a week or so. I do have some things to tell you about, though.”

“What things?”

“Just things,” Harper snapped.

“What are you going to do tonight?”

“Shower, sleep, and that’s about it.”

“Want some company?”

“Showering and sleeping?”

“Yeah. And you can tell me whatever things you want to tell me about. Then you can sleep and I’ll just scroll on my phone.”

“Sure, if you want to. I’ll probably pass out on you, though.”

“I’m okay with that. I’ll see you in a few.”

“You okay?”

“I’m just lonely, Harper,” Summer said, dropping all pretense of being perfectly fine.

“And I’m tired. We’ll make a good pair. I’ll probably be in the shower when you get here. Mom will let you in.”

“Tell her I’m not hungry, I’m bringing food, so she won’t cook anything. I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“I’ll tell her. But make sure it’s something she likes. You know she’ll take a little bit for herself.”

“I always do,” Summer said.

“Well, come on then. I’m excellent company, even when I’m sleeping.”

Harper hung up the phone and walked over to kiss her mother’s cheek. “Do you mind letting Summer in?”

“Of course, not. Enjoy your shower.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Harper walked past her father without another word.